Image-stabilized long-range optical device

Abstract

A long-range optical device has at least one optical channel which comprises a housing and an arrangement of optical elements. At least one of the optical elements is movable relative to the housing for image stabilization in the event of perturbing movements of the housing. The device further comprises a stabilization system for the at least one movable optical element, which has an eddy current damper for damping movements of the at least one movable element. The stabilization system, in the event of a displacement of the at least one movable optical element, generates a restoring force proportional to the displacement velocity of the at least one movable optical element. The eddy current damper comprises a magnet system and an eddy current carrier interacting therewith. The restoring force generated by the eddy current damper is dependent on the amplitude of the displacement of the at least one movable optical element.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of international patent application PCT / EP2013 / 050176, filed on January 8 designating the U.S., which international patent application has been published in German language and claims priority from German patent application No. 10 2012 000 858.9, filed on Jan. 13, 2012, and from U.S. provisional patent application No. 61 / 586,315 filed on Jan. 13, 2012. The entire contents of these priority applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a long-range optical device. A long-range optical device may, in the context of the present invention, be a monocular or binocular telescope, in particular binoculars.[0003]During the use of a long-range optical device, for example binoculars, perturbing movements of the housing of the long-range optical device have a detrimental effect on the image quality of the image seen by the user. The perturbing movements...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a long-range optical device that uses an eddy current damper to damp any oscillations of the moving parts. This ensures that the device stays stable and can compensate for any changes in the environment. The damping characteristic of the device can be adjusted either during production or use, making it easier to tailor the device to the user's needs. Overall, the invention improves the performance and stability of the long-range optical device.

Problems solved by technology

By any initial friction, the stabilization system is frictionally coupled to the housing in the event of small signals, so that the stabilization system cannot compensate for the perturbing signals.

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